Luis Escamilla
Luis Escamilla was born and raised in the very small town of Raymondville, Texas. After graduating high school, he decided to make a bold move and enlist in the United States Marine Corps. After completing and achieving the title, he stood proud in formation on top of Mount Reaper. Upon receiving his drill instructor's campaign cover's eagle, globe and anchor, and the title United States Marine, it brought tears of joy to his eyes; he was DAMN proud.
Upon completing Basic Training on the Depot in San Diego, Private Escamilla was given orders to Supply School in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After completing MOS training, Luis was promoted to Private First Class and assigned to Okinawa, Japan, where he joined up with his new Marine family, 3rd FSSG, 3rdMRB, and his company (Engineer Maintenance Company). Before departure from Okinawa, he was promoted to a Lance Corporal for his merge from Supply Administration Clerk (3043) to a (3051) Supply Warehouseman.
After his tour in Okinawa, Luis joined up with the 3rd MAG-39 MWSS-372 in Camp Pendleton, where he received a leadership position. Here he became a "blood stripe" Marine Corporal, which elevated his title in the Supply warehouse to a Supply-NCOIC. He valued taking care of his Marines and took charge of becoming a leader. While he was in Camp Pendleton, he met the woman of his dreams, who he dated, married, and later had a beautiful baby girl with, currently they celebrate 19 years of marriage.
With the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City all went downhill, operations on MC Base Camp Pendleton became chaotic, and it felt like they were already in a war zone. There were barriers outside of buildings, checkpoints all over, and military police being a lot stricter with little to no activity at all for personnel. A few months later, his Company Commander delivered a message that all MAG-39, including his company, were needed in Kuwait and Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. A sense of worry overcame him as he realized this meant leaving his brand new family behind as his daughter Arianna was only seven months old at the time.
While in Iraq, he coordinated the shipping/receiving and distribution of all Marine tactical inventory. He worked alongside 20 officers in charge of other Marine Air Wing Squadrons in his location, Ali Al Salem Air Force Base. He made numerous supply convoys crossing many Iraqi villages, including crossing the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Many new bases were being built, and his squadron also provided security and support for those who flew helicopters. They also helped build Heliports' to receive supply line items that supported the Marines in need.
Once his tour in Iraq was complete, he decided to live a family life and enjoy his time. He moved back to Texas and worked for the 4th largest Sheriff's Office in the country (Harris County Sheriff's Office) for 8.5 years as a Detention Officer.
A loss of family struck tragedy when Luis' mother, who he loved dearly, unfortunately, passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. During this time, Luis and his wife had been trying for seven years to have another baby. Upon his mother's passing, they received news that a baby boy would be blessing their family, Cristian Escamilla. Luis and his wife genuinely believe that his mom Dora Escamilla, went up to their Lord Jesus in Heaven and requested this beautiful boy for them. He makes sure to always talk about his mom to his son, wishing she was still around to meet him. Fortunately, Cristian met and spent quality time with his grandfather, Luis' father Elivinio Escamilla, before he passed away due to lupus.
Presently, Arianna just turned 19 years old and Cristian being 11 years old. Although having gone through a lot, Luis always keeps his head up and strives to maintain balance daily. He is employed with Disney, as security as Disneyland Resort. He holds goals on becoming a Training Instructor, which would have him responsible for all newly hired security cast members at the Disneyland Resort. He remains hopeful that there is an excellent career opportunity in his future, whether at Disney or another great company where he can utilize the skills, leadership, and experience. His family being a priority, he would love to provide a much better lifestyle for his wife and kids as he now resides in Los Angeles.
In 2016, Luis was introduced to MVP Cofounder Nate Boyer. He joined MVP and has been a program member since. He values this organization and views it as a complete blessing to his and his family's life.
"Just knowing that I'm a part of this outstanding organization makes me feel important and that I truly belong to a team. Working out at our MVP sessions has helped me feel a whole lot better about myself. It also has helped me mentally and with my depression. During my commute to sessions, I get chills knowing that I will be working out and chatting it up with fellow combat veterans and former pro athletes who I love and care for so much. I feel very comfortable sharing my ups and downs each session because we all have gone through some similar situations. What I also love about MVP is that we all have each other's back, not just only on Wednesday evenings but on a 24/7 basis."
MVP has helped Luis be more aware and active in achieving and navigating all the VA's well-earned benefits for veterans. Luis has goals with the help from MVP to obtain more connections in the veteran and athlete community to help further his growth and allow him to help others.